RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — What was once 84 acres of lush apple crop now lays nearly barren.

“I wish that I had a magic wand to show you that there would be apples on the tree,” Millstone Creek Orchards Marketing Manager Marissa Devine said. “But sadly, you can see if we walk all the way around and even if we went to another tree, there’s not a single apple on any of these trees here.”

Farms saw an unexpected freeze last Easter weekend

Millstone Creek Orchards lost 90% of its apple crop

The farm is turning the page to its pumpkin and gourd crop starting in October

Five months ago, a freak spring weather occurrence sank 60% of Millstone Creek’s apples.

“We had, on Easter weekend, a freeze. So, we were in below freezing temperatures while we were in full bloom. So, that has devastating effects on our crop,” Devine said.

Another 30% was lost to wildlife and disease, leaving the farm just 10% of its overall apple crop.

“This year, with about a 90% crop loss in apples, it’s made it very challenging,” Devine said. “So, we’ve had to be creative in different ways that we can bring guests out and make revenue, so that way we can support the farm and support all of our workers out here.”

Creativity is paramount at Millstone to stay alive. Because of the smaller number of apples, there are very few times visitors can pick. To keep guests coming, the farm has switched over to a more demonstration- and education-based tour.

They cut, shred and press the apples for their famous cider on-site.

“It’s made with three different apples. So, we usually do one that’s a little bit tarter, one that’s a little sweeter and one that’s in the middle,” Devine said. “We blend the three different flavors, so it’s super well-balanced.”

There is some hope for Millstone Creek though. Beginning in October, the farm opens up the u-pick season for pumpkins and gourds. Currently, that crop looks like it’s going to be a very productive yield.

“This might be the biggest pumpkin I’ve seen so far. You’re going to need some muscles to pick this up,” Devine said, gesturing toward a giant white pumpkin – something they call a “moose” at Millstone Creek.

To book a time to pick, you can visit millstonecreekorchards.com.